Impaired Interoception in a Preclinical Model of Functional Dyspepsia
John H Winston1, Jose E Aguirre2, Xuan-Zheng Shi2
1Enteric Neuromuscular Disorders and Visceral Pain Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, McCullough Building, 301 University Blvd. 0764, Galveston, TX, 77555-1083, USA. jhwinsto@UTMB.EDU.
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|March 31, 2017
Summary
Neonatal colon inflammation may lead to functional dyspepsia symptoms in adulthood. This early-life inflammation is linked to anxiety- and depression-like behaviors and altered gut function, suggesting a significant risk factor.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The causes of functional dyspepsia (FD) and postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) are not fully understood.
- Investigating early-life events as potential contributors to adult gastrointestinal disorders is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if neonatal colon inflammation can induce PDS-like symptoms in adult rats.
- To examine the association of these symptoms with vagal afferent pathways and limbic system activation.
Main Methods:
- Induction of colon inflammation in neonatal rats.
- Assessment of feeding behavior, gastric emptying, and open field test in adulthood.
- Induction of mild gastritis in adult rats using iodoacetamide.
Main Results:
- Neonatal inflammation led to reduced meal consumption, delayed gastric emptying, and anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in adult rats.
- Adult rats treated with iodoacetamide to mimic gastritis showed similar postprandial effects.
- Gastritis did not exacerbate symptoms in rats with prior neonatal inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal colon inflammation is identified as a risk factor for developing PDS-like symptoms.
- While mild gastritis can cause similar symptoms, it does not worsen those induced by early-life inflammation.
